This bill amends Kansas laws concerning irrigation districts and the regulation of water obstructions and dams. It introduces mail ballot elections for the board of directors, allowing the board to set member term lengths of two, three, or four years. The bill also clarifies the definitions of "dam" and "water obstruction," and establishes civil penalties for violations of these regulations. Additionally, it emphasizes the chief engineer's role in overseeing elections and permits related to water obstructions and dams, aiming to improve governance and water resource management in the state.

Moreover, the bill removes the requirement for prior written consent or permits for certain hazard class A dams under specific conditions, while allowing the chief engineer to mandate permits for necessary water obstructions. It establishes penalties for violations, classifying them as class C misdemeanors with civil penalties ranging from $100 to $500 per violation, and specifies that each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense. The bill also mandates that collected penalties be deposited into the state treasury for the water structures fund and repeals certain existing statutes, taking effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 42-706, 75-4215